cover image Prescriptions from Paradise: Introduction to Biocompatible Medicine

Prescriptions from Paradise: Introduction to Biocompatible Medicine

Carlos M. Viana. Healing Spirit Press (www.healingspiritpress.com), $25 paperback (240p) ISBN 978-0-9789920-4-0

In this compendium, clinical nutritionist Viana claims the requirements of socialized medicine and insurance companies result in mainstream physicians offering generic, ineffective care, and offers an alternate approach to healing. In an appendix to his alphabetically listed guide to treatments, health concerns, and life-threatening illness, he explains the concept of biocompatible medicine, a healing modality he developed at his medical center in Aruba to provide optimal, personalized treatments that are not recognized or not covered by insurers. Those unfamiliar with Viana's complex philosophy should read this section before reviewing his recommendations. Certified in traditional Chinese medicine, addictionology, and colon hydrotherapy, Viana draws on myriad holistic and traditional practices for his three-step program of detoxification, nutritional therapy, and lifestyle changes, placing emphasis on oral health, stress relief, and pH balance. His methods of reducing inflammation and acidity%E2%80%94which he cites as implicated in all degenerative conditions%E2%80%94include sophisticated testing, a blood type%E2%80%93based diet, acupuncture, colon cleansing, chelation therapy, and in more extreme cases, cell replacement injections. In each of the book's sections, Viana defines his subject, places it within a biocompatible framework, and concludes with a brief list of suggestions. The volume serves best as an introduction to Viana's work rather than a comprehensive reference. Readers interested in alternative healthcare will find Viana's advice fascinating and his viewpoint fresh.